Switching or control mechanism for dispatch systems



Dec. 29, 1931. F. APPELIUS SWITCHING OR CONTROL MECHANISM FOR DISPATCH SYSTEMS File d Nov. 13, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec 29, F P U 1,838,208

SWITCHING OR CONTROL MECHANISM FOR DISPPTCH SYSTEMS ii-T F. APPELIUS 1,838,208

SWITCHING OR CONTROL MECHANISM FOR DISPATCH SYSTEMS Dec. 29, 1931.

Filed Nov. 15, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec. 29, 1931. F. APPELIUS 1,838,208

SWITCHING OR CONTROL MECHANISM FOR DISPATCH SYSTEMS Filed Nov. 13, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 bfl emfor: 1326: W

Patented Dec. 29, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FRITZ APPELIUS, OF BER-LIN, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR TO COMPANY v TELEPHON-APPA- RAT-FABRIK G. ZW'IETUSCH 8c 00., G. M. B. 11., F CHARLOTTENBURG, GERMANY SWITCHING OB, CONTROL MECHANISM FOR DISPATCH SYSTEMS Application filed November 13, 1929, Serial No. 406,906, and in Germany November 16, 1928.

The invention relates to conveyor systems such as pneumatic tube plants. In such systems objects of any kind are to be carried from a sending station to a receiving station. The driving power may be obtained by an electrical motor on each object, or by .a belt or rope to which the obj ectsare attached, or by compressed air or vacuum in a tube. The invention does not relate to any particular one of these means of producing the driving power. The invention relates to conveyer systems with a plurality of sending and receiving stations. It is known to send sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations the destination being determined on each individual object by adjusting certain controlling means fixed on the same. it is also known, to coordinate an electrical circuit carrying the destination separately to each object, so that the objects are not diiferentiated from each other. The destination circuits become operative in the same sequence as the objects follow on the path.

One feature of the invention consists in the rearrangement of the sequence of the objects and their coordinated destination circuits at points where a sending station increases the number of objects 011 the path.

Large conveying systems are subdivided into sections, but the objects may pass from section to section. It is known, to extend the destination circuits only over one section and to transfer the destination selection for the 35 objects destined for a receiving station beyond said section to the adjoining section.

Another feature of the invention consists in the transfer of destination selections from one section to the adjoining section and in the combination of new destinations with said transferred destination at sending stations.

At the sending stations circuits are provided to coordinate separately a destination ciren to each of the objects on the path.

Another feature of the invention consists in the provision of circuits at the junctions of sections in conveyor systems, where sending stations are liable to increase the number of objects on thepath, said circuits being adapted to coordinate transferred and newly interposed destination selections to the objects on the path in a sequence diifering from the sequence of the objects approaching said junction. V

The transfer-destination and coordinating circuits become operative in a definite sequence, adapted to be rearranged at intervening sending stations. I

Another feature of the invention is the use of switches known in the art of automatic telephonyto maintain or to rearrange said sequences.

Another feature of the invention is the use of the methods of setting automatic telephone switches to numbered destination positions by dialling impulses or by setting one wiper of a call finder, or to a calling destination and offering it to another switch over another wiper of saidcall finder.

E'Xtending ofa circuit across a section in a conveyor system does not mean, that the apparatus forming said circuits be distributed over the whole area covered by the com veyer system.

Another feature of the invention is the centralization of the principal portions of the circuits, only the connecting wires from the centralized sequence controlling parts to the controlling contactsat the junctions being led to said junctions. y

In a conveyor system for sequences of objects some means must be provided to maintain proper distances between the objects so that the directing apparatus at the junctions may have sufiicient time to be operated or released in the interval between the arrival of two consecutive objects. means may have the form of dispatching boxes stopping the objects and releasing the same in proper order, or they may have the form of sidetracks in conveyor systems for very large objects.

Another feature of the invention is. the provision of dispatching boxes or the like for the objects forming a sequence approaching a junction of two sections and for the object inserted at the sending station located at said This distancing junction, so that the distances of the increased number of objects in the sequence entering the next following section are properly re-established.

It is known to control the various above mentioned circuits, designed to operate in a definite sequence, by devices counting the number of objects entering a section and by other devices counting the number of objects leaving a section.

According toanother feature of the invention said counting devices are arranged to count the number of objects passing a junction oftwo sections and also to count the number of objects inserted from a sending station connected to said junction, rearranging the objects in the sequence entering the next following section and reestablishing their proper distancing.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention by way of example:

Figs. 1 to 1 show diagrammatically a conveyer plant with circuits cut into sections.

Fig. 5 is a general plan showing how the different sections are to be put together.

7 Each of the batteries used is grounded on one side and the circuits are therefore only traced from a battery to the ground.

The several figures of the drawings are to beput together according to the general plan Fig. 5 andrepresent a tube with two sending stations S I and S II and three receiving stations E 1, E 2 and E 3, as well as the necessary controlling equipment, selectors, relays and the like. The number of sending and receiving stations may be increased as required. The individual receiving stations E 1, E 2 and E 3 are branched off the main path by switches WV 1, N 2, and W 3 controlled by magnets WM 1. WM 2 and IVM 3. A dispatching box YM is arranged on the path in front of the switch W 2, which box cooperates with a. similar dispatching box mounted in the tube coming from the sending station S 2 and thereby ensures the reliable control of the travelof the objects.

The controlling and working operations will be hereinafter explained by an example.

Supposing two carriers are to be dispatched from the sender station S 1, of which carriers the first is destined for the receiving station E 3 andthe second for the receiving station E 1. When dispatching the first carrier the destination key Ta 3 is actuated at the .sending station S 1 and the contact 3 of the key Ta 3 closed and the carrier inserted into the sender station S 1. On entering the tube the carrier actuates the tube contact df 1 arranged at the sending station S 1, thereby closing the following circuit 1; Battery, tube contact df 1, contact 1 'of the relay Sp 1, winding I of the relay 1, earth. The relay D 1 responds and closes the following circuit 2. Earth, contact 3 of the relay D 1, winding I of the relay B 1, battery, and parallel thereto the winding of the magnet DEM 1, battery.

The relay B 1 attracts its core and actuates its contacts 14. The magnet DEM 1 is also excited and moves the wipers IIV of selector DE 1 one step from the Zero position to the position 1. It thereby prepares the open circuit of the magnet DM 11 of the first register switch N 11 of the controlling equipment of the section S 1E 1 so that it may be completed by the closure of the contact 1 of the relay D 1. The relay B 1 switches in the relay Sp 1 through 3. Earth contact 3 of the relay B 1, contact 3 of the relay P 1, winding I of the relay Sp 1, battery.

The relay Sp 1 actuates its contacts and thereby interrupts the circuit 1 of the relay D 1 which drops. As the relay B 1 has formed its own retaining circuitindependent of the circuit 2 through 4. Battery, contact 4 of the relay B 1, winding II of the relay B 1, earth. The following circuit for the magnet DM 11 of the first register switch N 11, is established after the dropping of the relay D 1:

5. Earth. interrupter II 7, contact 1 of the relay B 1, contact 1 of the relay D 1, Contact 1 of the relay P 1, wiper II of the selector DE 1 in the stepping position 1, winding of the magnet DM 11 of the register switch N 11, battery.

The magnet DM 11 of the first register switch N 11 switches its wipers a 11, b 11, c 11 forward stepwise until the wiper a 11 reaches the contact 3 of the multiple contact bank, connected with the key Ta 3 arranged on the sending station S 1 and which is in operative position. The following monitory circuit is then established:

6. Battery, key contact Ta 3, wire 3, contact 3 of the multiple selector bank of the wiper a 11 of the register switch N 11, wiper a 11 of the register switch N 11, contact 1 in the contact bank of the wiper I of the selector DE 1, wiper I of the selector DE 1, winding I of the relay P 1, contact 2 of the relay B 1, contact 4 of the relay D 1, earth:

The relay P 1 rcsoonds in this circuit and intercepts the open circuit 5 of the rotary magnet DM 11. of the register switch N 11. The selector remains in the position 3 and has thereby accumulated the destination sign of the carrier first dispatched at the sending station S 1. The relay P 1 remains excited in the circuit 6 and has besides closed a further retaining circuit for itself over 7. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 1, conthe relay P 1 in the current 3 has been interrupted through excitation of the relay P 1. Owing to the responding of the relay B 1 the thermostatic contact Th 1 has been switched in the following circuit r 8. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 1 contact 3 of the relay H 1, winding of the thermostatic contact Th 1, battery.

The contact Th 1 becomes heated after a short period and. closes the following circuit:

9. Earth, contact 1 of the thermostatic con tact Th 1, winding of the relay H 1, battery.

The relay H 1 responds, interrupts the circuit 8 of the exciting winding of the thermostatic contact Th 1 and closes the following retaining circuit:

10. Earth, contact 8 of the relay B 1, contact 2 of the relay H 1, winding of the relay -H 1, battery. The relay H 1 further prepares by its contact 1 the circuit for the exciting of the magnet M 1 of the switch IV 1 leading to the receiving station E 1, which in the present instance is however not completed as the first carrier dispatched from the sending station S 1 was destined for the receiving sta- 1 tion E 3 and consequently the wipers a 11,

Z) 11, 0 11 of the first register switch N 11 of the section S 1'E 1 are in stepping position 3. The switching magnet IVM 1 is however connected with the stepping position 1 of the bank of the wipers 0 of the register N of the section S 1-E 1 and, being dependent upon the stepping position of the wiper I of the selector DA 1, can only be excited when the wiper c of the corresponding register switch N is in the stepping position 1.

After the termination of registration of the destination sign of the first carrier admitted into the sending station S 1 the following relays are excited in the controlling equipment of he section S 1E 1 relay B 1, relay II 1, relay P 1.

A second carrier may then be dispatched from the sending station S 1. In the example chosen this second carrier may be destined for the station E 1. The second carrier is introduced into the sender S 1 and the destination key Ta 1 actuated, whereby the contact 1 of thelrey To; 1 is closed. As soon as the tube contact (Z/'' 1 is temporarily closed by the 1nsorted carrier, the operating circuit 1 for the relay D 1 is established as above described. The relay D 1 is excited and interrupts the retaining circuits 6 and 7 of the windings I and II of the relay P 1. The relay P 1 becomes currentless an d again closes the operating circuit 3 for the relay Sp 1, which respbnds and interrupts again the exciting circ i 1 for the relay D 1, so that the relay D 1 drops. During the excitation period the relav D 1 has however excites the magnet DEM 1 of the selector DE 1 and thereby caused the magnet DEM 1 to move the wiper. IIV into the stepping position 2. To the bank contacts of the stepping position 2 of the selector DE 1 the wiper a 12 and the switching magnet DM 12 of the second register N 12 of the section S 1E 1 are connected. As soon as the relay D 1 has dropped, the following circuit is established for the magnet DM 12 of the second register switch 11. Earth, interrupter U 1, contact 1 of the relay B 1, contact 1 of the relay D 1, contact 1 of the relay P 1, wiper II of the selector DE 1 is stepping position 2, magnet DM 12 of the register switch 1 12, battery.

By means of the interrupter U l the switch ing magnet DM 12 receives current impulses and switches its wipers a 12, b 12, c 12 forward until the wiper a 12 closes the following monitory circuit 12. Battery, key contact Ta 1, wire 1, contact 1 of the multiple contact bank of the wiper a 12 of the register switch N 12, wiper a 12 of the register switch N 12, contact 2 in the multiple bank of the wiper I of the selector DE 1, wiper I of the selector DE 1, winding I of the relay P 1, contact 2 of the relay B 1, contact 41- of the relay D 1, earth.

The relay P 1 responds, interrupts the exciting circuit 3 for the rel y Sp 1 which drops and connects up again with the circuit 7 over the winding II of the relay P 1. The destination sign of the second carrier inserted into the tube at the sending station S 1 is therefore held in the register switch N 12 of the section S 1E 1. In the controlling equipment of the section S 1E 1 the following relays are excited: B 1, H 1, P 1.

The first cartridge dispatched at the sending station S 1 reaches on. its travel through the tube the junction- IV 1, which effects the transferring of the cartridge into the tube leading to the receiving station E 1 which branches off from the main tube. As the magnet VIM 1 of the tube switch IV 1 is not excited, the first cartridge passes the switch IV 1 and the tube contact (If 2 built in the main tube behind the switch, said contact (If 2 closing the contact points (if 21 and (If 22 and the cartridge enters into the next following section E 1E 2.

By actuating the contact (if 2 the followin circuit is closed 13. Battery, contact (Zf 21, contact 1 of the relay Sp 2, winding I ofthe relay D 2, earth.

The relay D 2 in the controlling equip ment of the section E 1E 2 responds and closes the following circuits.

14. Earth, contact 3 of the relay D winding I 0 5 the relay B 2, battery and 15. Earth, contact 5 of the relay D 2, winding of the magnet DEM 2, battery.

The magnet DEM 2 of the selector DE 2 is exciten and steps its wipers ITV into the stepping position 1. The relay B 2 is excited and closes own retaining circuit through:

16. Battery, contact 1 of the relay B 2, winding II of the relay B 2, earth.

Further the relay Sp 2 is excited over.

17. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 2, contact 3 of the relay P 2, winding I of the relay Sp 2, battery.

The relay Sp 2 interrupts the circuit 13 of the relay D 2, which drops, and closes the circuit for the magnet DM 21 of the first registerswitch N 21 of the section E 1--E 2 over: 18. Earth, interrupter U 2, contact 1 of the relay B 2, contact 1 of the relay D 2, contact 1 of the relay P 2, wiper II of the selector DE 2 in position 1, magnet DM 21 of the register switch N 21, battery.

At the actuating of the contact (If 2 by the travelling cartridge the following circuit has further been temporarily closed:

19. Earth, contact d 22, winding of the magnet DAM 1, battery.

The magnet DAM 1 of the selector DA 1 receives a current impulse and steps its wipers IIV into the stepping position. 1. The wiper Z) 11 of the first register switch of the section S 1E 1 is connected to the contact 1 of the bank of the wiper II of the selector DA 1. As the magnet DM 21 of the register switch N 21 or" the section E 1E 2 receives a number of current impulses and moves on its wipers a 21, Z) 21, 0 21, the following testing circuit is now established 20. Battery, wiper II of the selector DA 1 in stepping position 1, contact 1 of the contact bank of the wiper II of the selector DA 1, wiper Z) 11 of the register switch N 11 in position 3, contact 3 of the contact bank of the wipers 7) of the register switch N of the section S 1E 1, contact 3 of the contact bank of the wipers a of the register switches N of the section E 1E 2, wiper a 21 of the register switch N 21 in stepping position 3, contact 1 of the contact bank of the wiper I of the selector DE 2, wiper I of the selector DE 2 in stepping position 1, winding I of the relay P 2, contact 2 of the relay B 2, contact 4 of the relay D 2, earth. The contacts of the bank of the wipers Z) of the register switches N 11, N 12. etc. of the sector S 1-E 1 are connected with the contacts of the bank of the wipers a of the register switches N 21, N 22, etc. of the section E 1E 2 through the wires 2, 3, 4, etc. The register switch N 21 of the section E 1E 2 thenassumes the same stepping position as that of the register switch N 11 of the section S 1E 1 which is coordinated to the first cartridge dispatched at the sending station S 1, and retains the destination sign 3 for this cartridge in the stepping position of its wipers a 11, b 11, c 11. The relay P 2 in the circuit 20 responds and interrupts the open circuit for the magnet DM 21 of the register switch N 21 of the section E 1-E 2. Thus the destination sign 3 for the first cartridge dispatched at S 1 is transferred to the register switch N 21.

The relay P 2 interrupts the circuit 17 of the relay Sp 2 and establishes its own retaining circuit over:

21. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 2, contact 2 of the relay P 2, contact 2 of the relay v 23. Earth, contact 1 of the thermostatic 0 contact Th 2, winding of the relay H 2, battery.

The relay H 2 binds itself over:

' 24:. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 2, contact 2 of the relay H 2, winding of the relay 2, battery, and prepares the circuit for the switch magnet WM 2 of the switch IV 2.

Thus the transfer of the destination sign for the first cartridge travelling in the section E 1E 2 is accomplished by the register switch N 21 from the register switch N 11 of the section S 1E 1. The following relays are excited in the section E 1E 2 B 2, 112,1 2.

As soon as the selector DA 1 of the section S 1-E 1 has stepped its wipers IIV into the stepping position 1, the following operating circuit for the magnet IVM 1 of the switch IV 1 has been established:

25. Earth, contact 1 of the relay H 1, wiper I of the selector DA 1 in the stepping position 1, contact 1 of the contact bank of the wiper I of the selector DA 1, wiper c 12 of the register switch N 12 in stepping position 1, contact 1 of the bank of the wiper 0 12 of the register switch N 12, magnet M 1, battery.

The magnet WM 1 is excited and effects the switching of the second cartridge dispatched from the sending station S 1 to the receiving station E 1 by throwing in the switch tongue of the switch IV 1 into the path. The second cartridge will be then delivered from the tube at the receiving station E 1 according to its destination sign 1, which has been registered in the stepping position 1 of the wipers a 12, b 12, c 12 of the second register switch N 12 of the section S 1-E 1. The cartridge when leaving the receiver E 1 actuates the department contact 1 and thus closes the following circuit.

26. Battery, contact @170 1, winding I of the relay'A 1, earth.

The relay A 1 is excited and closes the following circuit for the magnet DAM 1 of the selector DA 1 27 Earth, contact 1 of the relay A 1, magnet DAM 1, battery.

The magnet DAM 1 switches the wipers IIV into the stepping position 2.

Thus the wipers IV of the selectors DE 1 and DA 1 have both assumed the same stepping position 2. The relay B, which had connected up in the circuit 4, is short circuited over:

28. Battery, contact 4 of the relay B' 1, winding II of the relay B 1, earth and parallel thereto contact 3 of the relay Sp 1, wiper IV of the selector DE 1 in stepping position 2, contact 2 of the bank of the wiper IV of the selector DE 1, contact 2 of the bank of the wiper IV of the selector DA 1, wiper IV of the selector DA 1 in stepping position 2, earth.

The relay B 1 is therefore without current and interrupts the circuits 6, 7 and 10 for the relays P 1 and H 1, which also become dead. Thus all control relays of the section S 1E 1 are in inoperative position, and all cartridges travelling in the section S 1-E 1 have left this section.

As can be seen from the example just described, the wipers IV of the selectors DE 1 and DA 1 serve for controlling the switching in that the selector DE 1 with its wiper IV registers in the cartridges passing into the section S 1E 1 at the sending station S 1, whereas the selector DA 1 with its wiper IV registers out of the main path the cartridges leaving the section S 1E 1 at the transfer point to the next following section E 1-E 2 or leaving the tube at the receiving station E 1. The similar position of the wiper IV of the two selectors DE 1 and DA 1 indicates the inoperative position of the controlling equip-- ment of the section S 1E 1.

The wipers c of the register switch N serve for controlling the tube switch W 1. They are connected to the contacts of the wiper I of the selector DA 1 in such a manner, that the wiper ll of the register switch N 11 is connected to the contact 0 of the bank of the wiper I and the wiper 0 12 of the register switch N 12 to the contact 1 of the bank of the wiper I of the selector DA 1. The wipers c of the register switches N engage the contacts of the bank of the wiper I of the selector DA 1 in the sequence indicated-displaced one step with regard to the connections of the other wipers, for example I) of the register switches N, which are connected in the similar sequence to the contacts of the wiper II of the selector DA 1. Therefore for instance wiper b 11 to contact 1 of the bank of the wiper II, wiper Z) 12 to the contact 2 of the bank, of the wiper II of the selector DA 1 and so on. This measure is necessary as the moving on of the selector DA 1 only takes place, when the travelling cartridge has already passedthe switch W 1, that is that the setting of the switch must be effected according to the actual destination of the cartridge already when the selector DA 1 is in its inoperative position.

The thermostatic contact Th 1 serves for closing the circuit for the first cartridge entering the section only when the turning movement of the register switch N 11 actuated by the first cartridge (circuit 6) has been completed. Ali-unnecessary acting of the switch magnet WM 1 at the turning of the selector wipers Z2 at the beginning of the first registering operation is prevented by this retarded closing of the circuit 25.

The cartridge, which has entered the section E 1E 2 and is destined for the receiving station E 3 is travelling towards the switch IV 2. If a cartridge is to be dispatched from the sending station S 2 to any of the joining up receiving stations E 3- E 4, this cart-ridge must be inserted into the sender of the sending station S 2. The contact 27s is thereby closed by the cartridge in the dispatching box of the sender S 2, which contact closes the following exciting circuit for the relay K 2:-

29. Earth, contact .270, contact 4 of the relay 2, winding of the relay K 2, battery.

The destination number for this cartridge is set by a number disc arranged on the sending station 'S 2. Let it be supposed, that the carrier is destined for the receiving station E 8. During the actuation of the number disc the contact MK of the number disc is opened, whereas the impulse contact IK is operated in the known manner at the running down of the disc. The relay I 2 is energized, during the running down of the number disc, according to the number of the current impulses sent out over:

, 30. Earth, contact 270, contact IK, contact 3 of the relay C 2, contact 1 of the relay T- 2,w-inding of the relay I 2, battery.

The relay I 2 causes the attraction of the relay IC 2 over:

31. Earth, contact 1 of the relay I 2, winding I of the relay IC 2, battery.

i The relay IC 2 responds and remains eX- cited for the duration of the impulse emis sion, as its dropping is retarded by the short circuiting of its win-ding II over the contact 2 of the relay IC '2. Further the magnet NZM 2 of the selector NZ 2 is excited over:

32. Earth, contact 2 of the relay I 2, magnet NZM 2, battery. 7

According to the number of current impulses emitted the magnet NZM 2 is excited and steps the wipers IIII of the selector NZ 2. Instead of the forward selection herein shown, a reversed impulsing may be used. The selector NZ 2 ought then to be wired like a call finder and, instead of anumber disc, suitable switch key-s might be used. After selecting the number of the relay T 2 is excited, as the relay IC 2 has dropped after a certain time.

in the stepping position '3,'contact 1 of the relay IC 2, contact 1 of the relay K2, winding of the relay T 2, battery.

At the same time the lamp BL at the send ing station S 2 lights up to indicate that the selected destination number 3 has been regis tered by the selector NZ 2 and a further selection is useless. This lighting up is effected by the exciting of the relay W 2 over:

34. Earth, contact 2 of the relay T 2, con-. tact 3 of the relay C 2, contact .MK of the number disc at the sending station S 2, winding of the relay IV 2, battery.

The relay W 2 connects up in the following retaining circuit:

35. Earth, contact 2 of the relay T 2, contact 3 of the relay G 2, contact 4 of the relay WV 2, windin of the relay W 2, battery.

The lamp EL lights up at the sending station S 2 over:

36. Earth, contact 3 of the relay WV 2, lamp BL, battery. V

The relay N 2 is connected up to the signal wire as through the contact 2 of the relay W 2 over which wire a short current impulse of 100 milliseconds is emitted each second through the interrupter U 3. As the carrier travelling through they section E 1 E 2 has not yet passed the dispatching box Y in the section E 1-E 2, the relay Z 2 is in inoperative position. The relay N 2 is therefore temporarily excited by the following circuit:

37. Earth, interrupter U 3, contact 2 of the relay IV 2, contact 3 of the relay Z 2, winding of the relay N 2, battery.

Consequently the relay M 2 is also excited over:

38. Earth, contact 2 of the relay N 2, winding I of the relay M 2, battery.

The relay M 2 is connected up in a retaining circuit over:

39. Earth, contact 1 of the relay Z 2, contact 2 of the relay M 2, contact 1 of the relay Sr 2, winding II of the relay M 2, battery.

After about 500 milliseconds the signal wire 3 is earthed over the interrupter U 3. Thus the relay Sr 2 is excited, provided no carrier has left the dispatching box Y in the interval of 500 milliseconds and makes drop the relay M 2 by excitation of the relay Z 2. The relay S1" 2 then responds in the following circuit 40. Earth, interrupter U 3, contact 3 of the relay M 2, winding I of the relay S!- 2, battery.

The relay Sr 2 connects up in the retaining circuit over:

41. Earth, contact 1 of the relay W 2, winding II of the relay S1" 2, contact 2 of the relay Sr 2, winding II of the relay M 2, battery.

At the same time the relay Z 2 is excited in the following circuit:

42. Earth, contact 3 of the relay Sr 2, winding'of the relay Z 2, battery.

The relay Z 2, by breaking its contact 1 in the circuit 39, takes up the locking for the magnet YM in the dispatching box Y and thereby prevents a carrier travelling in the section E 1E 2 from passing the dispatching box Y until the carrier leaving the dispatching box Z of the sending station S 2 has entered the main tube.

The magnet ZM of the dispatching box Z of the sending station S 2 is then excited over:

43. Earth, contact 2k, contact 4 of the relay Sr 2, Winding of the magnet ZM, battery.

The contact 27 of the dispatching box Z of the sending station S 2 returns into its inoperative position as soon as the carrier leaving the dispatching box Z has left this dispatching box Z. The relay K 2 drops, as after breaking the contact 270. of the dispatching box Z of the sending station S 2 the circuit 29 is interrupted. The magnet ZM of the dispatching box Z also becomes currentless and locks the sender S 2 against thg entering of further carriers into the main tu e.

In the wire 3, leading from the contact 3 of the bank of the wiper II of the selector NZ 2 and indicating the destination of the carrier which has left the dispatching box Z, testing voltage now exists and, as soon as the carrier enters the section S 2E 3, a register switch N of the section S 2E 3 switches on to the destination station number, which is locked in the stepping position 3 of the wiper II of the selector NZ 2.

When the carrier is leaving the dispatching box Z, the tube contact 870 is temporarily closed, establishing the following circuit:

44. Battery, tube contact 8716', contact 1 of the relay Sp 3, winding I of the relay D 3, earth.

The relay D 3 in the controlling equipment of the section S 2E 3 responds and closes the following circuits:

45. Earth, contact 3 of the relay D 3, winding I of the relay B 3, battery, and

46. Earth, contact 3 of the relay D 3, winding of the magnet DEM 3, battery.

The magnet DEM 3 of the selector DE 3 is excited and switches its wipers I to IV into the stepping position 1.

The relay B 3 is excited and connects up a retaining circuit over 47. Battery, contact 4 of the relay B 3, winding II of the relay B 3, earth. Moreover the relay Sp 3 is excited over:

48. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 3, contact 3 of the relay P 3, winding I of the relay Sp 3, battery.

The relay Sp 3 interrupts the circuit 44 for the relay D 3 which drops and closes the circuit for the magnet DM 31 of the first register switch N 31 of the section S 2E 3 over:

49. Earth, interrupter U 5, contact 1 of the relay B 3, contact 1 of the relay D 3, contact 1 of the relay P 3, wipers II of the selector DE 3 in the stepping position 1, magnet DM 31 of the register switch N 31, battery.

The magnet DM 31 receives a number of current impulses over the interrupter U 5 and moves on its wipers a 31, Z; 31, c 31 until the relay P 3 is excited in the circuit over:

50. Battery, winding of the relay C 2, contact 3 of the relay K 2, contact 5 of the relay T 2, contact 4 of the relay IC 2, wiper II of the selector NZ 2 in stepping position 3, contact 3 in the bank of the wiper II of the selector NZ 2, contact 3 in the bank of the wiper a 31 of the register switch N 31, wiper a 31 of the register switch N 31 in position 3, contact 1 in the bank of the wiper I of the selector DE 3, wiper I of the selector DE 3 in position 1, winding I of the relay P 3, contact 2 of the relay B 3, contact 4 oi the relay D 3, earth.

The relay P 3 interrupts the circuit 49 for the magnet DM 31 of the selector N 31 and the circuit 48 of the relay Sp 3 and establishes its own retaining circuit over:

51. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 3, contact 2 of the relay P 3, contact 2 of the relay D 3, winding II or" the relay P 3, battery.

Further the thermostatic contact Th 3 is heated in the section S 2E 3 over:

52. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 3, contact 3 of the relay IT 3, winding of the thermostatic contact Th 3, battery.

The thermostatic contact Th 3 comes into operation after a short period and excites he relay H 3 over:

53. Earth, contact 1 of the thermostatic contact Th 3, winding of the relay H 3, battery.

The relay H 3 connects over Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 3, contact 2 of the, relay H 3, winding of the relay H 3, battery, and prepares the circuit for the switch magnet WM 3 of the switch IV 3. The destination sign for the carrier, dispatched. from the sending station S 2 and travelling in the section S 2E 3, is taken over by the register switch N 31 of the section S 2E 3. In the section S 2-1) th following relays are excited 3, H 3, P 3.

In the circuit 50 the relay C 2 oi the controlling equipment of the section E 1--E 2 has been excited and after taking up the destination sign 3 of the carrier entering into the section S 2-E 3, initiates the release of the relays M 2, S1 2, W2 and. Z 2 and of the selector NZ 2.

The relay C 2 closes through its contact 2 a retaining circuit for the relay 1V2 over:

Earth, contact 2 of the relay C 2, contact 4 of the relay TV 2, winding of the relay IV 2, battery, the relay W 2 remaining 3 excited and thereby continues toelight the signal lamp BL at the sending station S 2 so as to indicate that no fresh destination can be set, that is that the selector NZ 2 is not yet capable of operating. A carrier might already be inserted in preparation into the sender, as the circuit 29 for the relay K 2 is interrupted at the contact point 4 of the relay C 2. The relay C 2 remains attracted until the selector NZ 2 has been returned to the zero position over:

56. Earth, wiper I of the selector NZ .2, contact 1 of the relay G 2, winding of the relay G 2, battery.

The respondin of the relays C 2 and I 3 takes place during the releasing period of the relay T 2. The relay T 2, which becomes currentless after the dropping of the relay K 2 and after the breaking of the circuit 33, is retarded from dropping by a copper cover. fitter the dropping of the relay T 2 the selectcr NZ 2 returns into its zero position over:

57. Earth, interrupter U 4, wiper III of the selector NZ 2, contact 3 of the relay IC 2, contact 4 of the relay T 2, winding of the magnet NZM 2, battery.

In the zero position of the selector NZ 2 the .taining circuit 56 for the relay C 2 is int-erupted. The relay IV 2 drops as the circuit 5 is interrupted at the contact point 2 of the C 2. The circuits 41 and 42 of the re- .ys Sr 2, M 2 and Z 2 are interrupted suc- .essirely, and the relays drop. The signal amp BL at the sending station S 2 extinynishes as a sign that a new destination can col- L: up Ur It may further be mentioned that the contact bank of the wiper II of the selector NZ 2 is connected in parallel to the bank of the wipers Z; of the register switch N of the section E 1, E 2 or with the wipers a of the register switch N of the sections S 2E 3 respectively, so that by simply switching over the monitory circuit of the relay P 3 of the controlling equipment of the section S '2E .3 from the wipers b of the register switches N of the section E 1E 2 onto the wiper II of the selector NZ 2, the taking over of the destination sign of a carrier entering at the sendstation S 2 is ensured.

The carrier travelling in the section E '1- i 2 reaches on its travel through the tube the .ispatching box Y and actuates the contact r. The releasing magnet YM of the dispatching box Y is excited over,

58. Earth, contact 1 of the relay'Z 2, contact 1 of the relay M 2, contact 1 70, magnet YM, battery, provided the locking relay Z 2 is not excited. The carrier travels on and actuatcs, on leaving the dispatching box Y, the entrance contact 610, over which the locking relay Z 2 is excited.

59. Earth, contact 670, winding of the relay Z 2, battery.

The relay Z 2 connects up in the following circuit a in 60. Earth, contact 2 of the relay A 2, contact 2 of the relay Z 2, winding of the relay Z 2, battery.

Owing to the excitation of the relay Z 2 the circuit 37 for the relay N 2 is interrupted and prevents a further carrier from passing from the sender S 2 into the tube, as long as the controlling connections for the carrier leaving the dispatching box Yare not completed.

The releasing magnet YM returns to its inoperative position after the carrier has left the dispatching box Y and locks the dispatching box Y until the carrier has travelled through the station E 2. (The c1rcu1t 58 remains interrupted during the time which the relay Z 2 is excited.)

The travellin carrier passes the switch W 2, which is in inoperative position, and actuates the tube contact (Z 3, arranged behind the switch WV 2, this contact 6Z7 3 closing its contacts (Zf 31 and d 32. The following circuit is thereby established:

61. Battery, contact (Zf 31, contact 1 of the relay Sp 3, winding I of the relay D 3, earth.

The relay D 3 in the controlling equipment of the section S 2E 3 responds and effects the moving on of the wipers IIV of the selector DE 3 one step into the position 2 over:

62. Earth, contact 3 of the relay D 3, winding of the magnet DEM .3, battery.

Furtherthe relay Sp 3 is excited in the circuit 48 and interrupts the circuits 50 and 51 for the relay P 3. The relay P 3 drops.

5 At the same time the relay D 3 also becomes currentless by the interrupting of the circuit 61. The following circuit is then established for the magnet DM 32 of the register swltch N 32;

63. Earth, interrupter U 5, contact 1 of the relay B 3, contact 1 of the relay D 3, contact 1 of the relay P 3, wiper Tl of the selector DE 3 in position 2, winding of the magnet DM 32, battery.

By the operation of the contact clf 32 further the following circuit has been closed;

64. Earth, contact (Zf .32, winding 1 of the relay A 2, battery.

The relay A 2 responds and excites the magnet DAM 2 of the selector DA 2. The magnet DAM 2 receives a current impulse and moves on the wipers I-IV of the selector DA 2 into the stepping position 1. The wiper 5 21 of the first register switch N 21 of the section E 1E 2 is connected to the contact 1 of the bank of the wiper ll of the selector DA 2. As the magnet Dllil 32 of the register switch N 32 of the section S 2E 3 receives a number of current impulses through the interrupter U 5 in the circuit 63 and moves on its wipers a 32, b 32, c 32, the followin monitory circuit is established:

65. EBattery, contact 3 of the relay T 2, wiper II of the'selector DA 2 in stepping position 1, contact 1 of the bank of the wiper the selector DE 3 in stepping position 2,

winding I of the relay P 3, contact 2 of the relay B 3, contact t of the relay D 3, earth. The register switch N 32 of the section S 2-E 3 has therefore assumed the same stepping position as that occupied by the register switch N 21 of the section E 1E 2, which is coordinated to the carrier which has just left the section E 1-E 2. In the circuit the relay P 3 responds and interrupts the open circuit 63 of the magnet DM 32 of the register switch N 32. The switch N 32 has taken up the destination sign 3 for the second carrier travelling in the section S 2E The relay P 3 interrupts the circuit 48 for the relay Sp 3 and produces its own retaining circuit over:

66. Earth, contact 3 of the relay B 3, contact 2 of the relay P 3, contact 2 of the relay 3, winding II of the relay P 3, battery.

As soon as the selectors DE 2 and DA 2 in the controlling equipment of the section 4 1E' 2 have assumed the same stepping position 1 after the carrier has left this section, the relay B 2 is short circuited and drops.

67. Battery, contact 4 of the relay B 2, winding II of the relay B 2, earth and parallel thereto contact 3 of the relay Sp 2, wiper IV of the selector DE 2 in stepping position 1, contact 1 of the bank of the wiper IV of the selector DE 2, contact 1 of the bank of the wiper IV of the selector DA 2, wiper IV of the selector DA 2 in stepping position 1, earth.

The retaining circuits 21 and 24: for the relays H 2 and P 2 are thereby interrupted and the relays drop.

By the excitation of the relay A 2 at the actuation of the tube contact elf 32 by the travelling carrier the circuit 60 of the locking relay Z 2 is also interrupted, the relay Z 2 drops and frees the passage for another carrier in the section S 2E 3 from one of the dispatching boxes Y or Z.

The carrier leaving the section E 1E 2, which has travelled through this section as the first and only carrier in the example taken, now runs in the section S'2E 3 as second carrier, as a further carrier hasbeen previously dispatched from the sending station S 2. The sequence of the carriers in section S 2E 3 is therefore changed.

The carriers travelling in the section S 2E 3 approach the receiving station E 3.

The following exciting circuit is closed for the switch magnet l/VM 3 in the controlling equipment of the section S 2E 3 after the exciting of the relay H 3 in the circuit 54:

68. Earth, contact 1 of the relay H 3, wiper I of the selector DA in stepping position 0, contact O of the bank of the wiper I of the selector DA 3, wiper C 31 of the re ister switch N 31 in stepping position 3, contact 3 of the bank of tl e viper C 31 of the selector N 31, winding of the magnet M 3, battery. The magnet WM 3 is excited and effects the deflection of the first carrier runmng in the section 2E 3 to the receiving station E 3 by switching the tongue of the switch W 3 into the path. This carrier will therefore be discharged from the tube at the receiving station E 3 according to its destination sign 3, which is registered in the stepping position 3 of the wipers a 31, Z) 31, 0 31 of the register switch N 31. The carrier thereby actuates at the receiver station E 3 the delivering contact aft 3 and. closes the following circuit:

69. Battery, contact (L76 3, winding I of the i relay A 3, earth,

The relay A 3 is excited and closes the following circuit for the magnet DAM 3 of the selector DA 3.

70. Earth, contact 1 of the relay A 3, winding of the magnet DAM 3, battery. The magnet DAM 3 moves the wipers I-IV into the stepping position 2. When the wipers IIl of the selector DA 3 are further moving, the circuit 68 for the switch magnet WM 3 is temporarily interrupted. The switch magnet M 3 is however again excited according to the destination sign 3 of the second carrier travelling in the section S 2E 3 in the following circuit:

71. Earth, contact 1 of the relay H 3, wiper I of the selector DA 3 in stepping position 1, contact 1 in the bank of the wiper I of the selector DA 3, wiper c 32 of the register switch N 32 in the stepping position 3, contact 3 of the bank of the wiper C 32 of the selector N 32, winding of the magnet IVM 3, battery.

This second carrier is also diverted from the main tube to the receiving station E 3 and leaves the tube at the receiving station E 3. The circuit 69 is thereby again closed by the renewed actuation of the departing contact ale 3 and the relay A 3 excited. The magnet DAB I 3 again receives a current impulse in the circuit and moves the wipers IIV into the stepping position 2. The wipers IV of the selectors DE 3 and DA 3 have thus reached the same stepping posi tion. The relay B 3, which had been con nected up in the circuit 47, is short-circuited and drops, after which the circuits 54 and 66 of the relays II 3 and P 3 are also interrupted. The relays drop and all the switching means of the controlling equipment of the sections S '1E 1, E 2 and S 2E 3 are in inoperative position.

A locking key 111121, 112122 is provided for each register switch N 11, N 12, etc. These locking keys serve in the case of the failure of any of the register switches to render same ineffective for a registerin for example the register switch N 11 should not store any destination sign, the locking key for this register switch is shifted onto the contacts 111121. The result thereof is that the contact arms IIV of the original selector DE 1 would not stay on the step 1 but would automatically advance a further step.- As soon as the contact arm III of the selector DE 1 comes onto the step 1, the relay D 1 would be energized by the contact 111 so tl the magnet DEM 1 is again energized ann effects the shifting forward of the contact arms I-IV of the selector DE 1 onto the step 2. As in this manner the register switch N 1 is cut out, the original selector DA 1 must also jump over the step 1 when a cartridge is dispatched. The relay A 1 and therefore the magnet III of DA 1 reach the step 1 through the contact 121. If for example the register switch N 12 is to be rendered inoperative, the locking key of this switch is shifted onto the contacts 112 and 122, so that the selectors DE 1 and DA 1 jump over the step 2.

The foregoing description shows the cooperation of the register switches N, serving to transmit the destination number of the carrier from section to section with the selectors NZ actuated by the individual intermediate stations. In the example taken only one selector NZ is shown at the intermediate station S 2, as only one carrier is dispatched from the sending station S 2. If however a number of carriers are to be accumulated in the sender S- 2, a corresponding number of selectors NZ has to be provided, capable of registering a plurality of destination numbers of the carriers and oftransmitting this storage position according to the sequence in which the carriers have to leave the dispatching box Z to the selector N of the next following section S 2--E 3.

A number of boxes travelling through the section E 1E 2 may likewise arrive at the same time in the dispatching box Y. They are then retained in the dispatching box Y as long as is necessary, so as to ensure the changing of the switches and the controlling of the other signalling equipment, or until the departure of a carrier from the intermediate sender S 2 has taken place, and the switching operations necessitated thereby have been completed. The carriers collected in the dispatching box. Y are released singly for dispatch as soon as the previous carrier has left the section E 1E 2 and the switching operations are completed.

I claim 1. A conveyer system, comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of conveyed objects destined for difierent receiving stations, circuits controlling the destination of each of said objects, circuits coordinating a particular destination circuit with each of said objects, and circuits at each of said sending stations adapted to rearrange the sequence of said objects in passing by and to add ob jects from said sending station.

2. A conveyer system, comprising in com bination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations in and branched from said line sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations running on said line, junctions connecting each two consecutive sections of said line adapted to add to the number of objects in a sequence passing through said stations, and circuits at said sending stations adapted to be rearranged in accordance with the added objects.

3. A conveyor system comprising in combination with a line divided into sections, a plurality of sending and receiving stations, sequences of objects destined for different re ceiving stations, sending stations arranged at different points along said line, junctions be tween said sections, a sending equipment at each of said sending stations adapted to introduce objects into a sequence of objects passing said sending stations, circuits for setting the destination of each object passing over the section, circuits to transfer said destination setting from one of said sections to the next section, and circuits at each of said sending stations adapted to insert the destination settings of the objects sent by said station into the sequence of the said transferred destination settings.

4:. A conveyer system, comprising in combination with a line divided into sections, a plurality of sending and receiving stations in and branched from said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving sta tions, junctions connecting each two consecutive sections, circuits for setting the destinations of each object passing said sections, circuits at each of said sending stations to coordinate one of said destination circuits to each of said objects, circuits at each sending station to transfer said destination settings from the said destination circuits of one section to the destination circuits of the consecutive sections, and circuits at each sending station to coordinate one of said destination circuits belonging to the consecutive sections in a sequence differing from the sequence of the objects arriving at said connecting junctions ending at said sending station.

5. A conveyer system comprising a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, circuits controlling the destination of each of said objects, circuits coordinating said destination circuits to said objects, rearranging said sequence at each station at which the number of objects in a sequence is increased, switches and relays known in the art of automatic telephony arranged in said circuits.

6. A conveyer system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, circuits for setting the destination of each of said objects, circuits transferring said destination settings from section to section, and circuits at each of said sending stations adapted to rearrange the sequence of said destination settings at each station at which the number of said objects in a sequence is increased, all said circuits being centralized.

7. A conveyor system, comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, circuits for setting the destination of each of said objects, elements in said setting circuits adapted to be set to numbered positions in the manner of setting call finders known in the art of automatic telephony, circuits transferring said settings from section to section, elements beside said elements for the numbered positions controlling said transfer circuits, multiple contacts of said elements on the call finder side of said elements, multiple contacts on the transferring side of said elements, connections between the multiale field of said transferring side of a section and the multiple field of the call finding side of the consecutive'section, and connection between said interconnected multiple fields and the numbered positions of circuits belonging to a sending station located at the junction of said sections corresponding to said interconnected multiple field.

8. A conveyer system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, j unctions between the different sections of said line, circuits for setting the destination of each object, means on one side of said circuit adapted to take up a number positioning from one of said sections, and means on the 9. A conveyor system comprising in con1- bination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at diiierent points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, junctions between the different sections of said line, circuits for setting the destination of each object, circuits for transferring said destination settings from section to section at the junctions of said sections, and circuits to interpose the destination settings of objects set by intermediate stations into the sequence of objects in said trains.

10. A conveyor system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations, arranged at diii'erent points along said line, sequences of objects aestined for different receiving stations, unctions between the different sections of said line, circuits for setting the destination of each object, circuits for transferring said cestination settings from section to section at the junctions of said sections, circuits to interpose the destination settin s of objects sent by intermediate stations into the sequence of objects, elements in said interposing circuits adapted to be positioned by dialled impulses as used for positioning switches in the auto matic telephony.

11. A conveyor system comprising in combination with a. line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, j unctions between the diiierent sections of said line, circuits for setting the destinations of each of said object-s, circuits at the junctions of said sections adapted to transfer the destination settings from section to section, circuits adapted to interpose the destination setot the objects sent by an intermediate sending station into all of said circuits being centralized, elements in said inter-posing circuits, calling devices like those used in automatic telephony located at said sending stations adapted to generate impulses for setting said elements.

12. A conveyor system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences or" objects destined for dii ferent receiving stations, unctions between the diiierent sections of said line, dispatching boxes inserted in said con veying system at each of said junctions adapted to dispatch said objects to the next following sections and to receive the sequence of objects arriving at a junction destined for stations eyond said junction.

13. A conveyor system comprises in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequence of objects destined for diiierent receiving stations, junctions between the different sections of said the sequence of objects,

line, circuits for setting the destination of each of said objects, circuits adapted to coordinate said destination circuits each to one of said objects, one of said coordinating circuits being installed for each of said junctions, dispatching boxes at said junctions, and circuits to control the discharge of said objects from said dispatching boxes, said coordinating circuits also controlling the sequence of said discharges.

1a. A conveyer system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at diflerent points along said line, a sequence of objects destined for diil'erent receiving stations, junctions between the different sections of said line, some or said sending stations located at said junctions, circuits for setting the destination of each of said objects extending separately over each of said sections, circuits adapted to transfer said destination settings across said junctions for objects destined for receiving stations beyond said junction, dispatching boxes for said objects located at said junctions, discharge circuits for said boxes, and circuits coordinating said transferred destination settings and the destination settings for objects sent by the intermediate sending stations with said destination circuits issuing from said junctions, said coordinating circuits also controlling said discharge circuits.

15. A conveyor system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, junctions between the different sections of said line, some of said sending stations located at said junctions, circuits for setting the destination of each of said objects extending separately across each of said sections, circuits adapted to transfer said destination settings across said junctions for objects destined for receiving stations be yonc said junctions, a circuit for each of said junctions adapted to coordinate one of said destination circuits to each one of said objects, and contacts along said conveying sys em operated by said objects adapted to initiate the operation of said transfer and coordinating circuits.

16. A conveyor system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for diiterent receiving stations, junctions between the difierent sections of said line, circuits for setting the destination of each of said objects, a device for counting the number of objects in a sequence arriving at one of said junctions, and a second counting device located at the beginning of a section at one oi said junctions for counting the number of said objects of a sequence leaving said junctions to which sequence objects sent by said sending stations have been added.

17. A conveying system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, j unctions between the different sections of said line some of said sending stations being located at one of said junctions, circuits adapted to set the destination of each of said objects, a circuit installed at each of said junctions coordinating one of said destination circuits to each one of said objects, a counting device installed at each of said junctions adapted to count the number of objects in a sequence arriving at one of said junctions, and a second counting device for counting the number of objects in a sequence leaving one of said junctions and the number of objects sent by said sending stations, said coordinating circuits comprising said counting devices.

18. A conveying system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, unctions between the different sections of said line, circuits controlling the destination of each of said objects, a separate circuit for each of said junctions coordinating one of said destination circuits to each one of said objects, a counting device installed for each of said junctions, for counting the number of objects in a sequence arriving at one of said junctions including such objects destined for the receiving station at said junction, and a second counting device for counting the number of objects in a sequence passing said junction and the number of objects sent by said sending station.

19. A conveyer system comprising in 'combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different oints alon said line se uences of objects destined for different receiving stations, unctions between the different sections of the line some of said sending stations being located at said unctions, circuits adapted to set the destination of each of said objects extending over each of said sections, circuits transferring said destinations across said junctions for objects destined for receiving stations beyond said junctions, means on one side of said circuits adapted to be set to the destinations of the objects in a sequence arriving at one of said junctions, means on the other side I of said transferring circuits adapted to pass on the destination settings of the objects passing said junctions to the destination circuits of the ensuing sections, and destination circuits for objects sent by said sending station adapted to pass on said destination settings to the destination circuits of the ensuing section jointly with the destination settings passed on from the previous section.

20. A conveyor system comprising in combination with a line, a plurality of sending and receiving stations arranged at different points along said line, sequences of objects destined for different receiving stations, junctions between the different sections of said line, circuits adapted to set the destination for each of said objects extending separately across said sections, cir cuits transferring said destination settings across said junctions, a device for counting the number of objects in a sequence arriving at one of said junctions in the order of their sequence, circuits to interpose the destination setting for objects sent by said sending stations at said junctions, a device adapted to count the objects in a sequence leaving from one of said junctions and to establish a new sequence of the said objects.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

FRITZ APPELIUS. 

